Jobless figures hit new low

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Australia's unemployment level fell to 5.1 per cent - its lowest
level since the mid-1970s - last month, new figures released today
show.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics said the number of people
out of work fell 9,000 to 526,900, while the participation rate
increased 0.1 percentage point to 63.8 per cent.

Both the male and female unemployment rates decreased by 0.1
percentage point, to 5.0 per cent and 5.2 per cent
respectively.

Total employment rose 29,000 to 9.8 million, but full-time
employment dropped 5,800 to just over seven million.

The number of people in part-time work increased 34,800 to 2.8
million.

Unemployment fell in every state and territory except the ACT
where it increased 0.1 percentage point to 4.2 per cent.

Two states, Western Australia (4.4 per cent) and Queensland (4.9
per cent), had unemployment under five per cent.

In NSW it was 5.1 per cent, in Victoria 5.7 per cent, 5.1 per
cent in South Australia, 5.7 per cent in Tasmania and 6.5 per cent
in the Northern Territory.

Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews said
unemployment was now at its lowest level since November 1976.

He said the number of people looking for work had fallen 9,000
and was at its lowest level since April 1990.

"While labour force figures can vary from month to month,
forward indicators of labour market activity continue to point to
further solid employment gains in the months ahead," he said in a
statement.

"Despite today's particular results, it is now more important
than ever that the opposition pass workplace relations and
workforce participation reforms to enable the government to lock in
even lower unemployment for the benefit of all Australians."